Daily News

France -- Shortage of vocationally trained workers

29 March 2010

In spite of the recession there is still a serious shortage of vocationally trained workers in France, French daily Ouest France reports.

Laurent Jegou, Manager at staffing agency Start People (part of USG People) said, "it may sound surprising, especially in times of economic crisis, but we have a shortage of (qualified) workers. We are looking for heating engineers, welders and water boiler mechanics. There is also the whole sector of renewable energies."

Care for the elderly and general healthcare are equally sectors, which are crying out for staff. The ageing population problem is creating an ever increasing demand for carers who are able to deal with the demanding task of looking after the elderly, who are sometimes not the easiest people to please.

Delphine Segond, Public Medical Health Inspector at the government's Sanitary and Social Affairs Office (DDASS) said, "the problem with carers and health carers is that their work is very demanding and their pay is often not great. They also have to increasingly deal with administrative tasks, which means that they don't have enough time to do their jobs as carers."

"The best carers go to work in university hospitals because they pay more. It is all about money in the end. Even carers need to live."

Staffing Industry Analysts is the global advisor on contingent work. Known for its independent and objective insights, the company's proprietary research, award-winning content, data, support tools, publications, and executive conferences provide a competitive edge to decision-makers who supply and buy temporary staffing.